SECTION .0300 - PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

14B NCAC 10 .0301 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

(a) Pre-Match Examination-A pre-match physical examination shall be given to each contestant by a physician not more than four hours before the start of the program of matches. The physician conducting the pre-match physical examination shall submit to the Division representative the results of the pre-match physical on a form provided by the Division. The physician shall certify his professional assessment as to whether or not the contestant is physically and mentally fit to engage in the match. A contestant shall not be permitted to engage in a match unless he has been examined and pronounced fit to do so by a physician.

(b) Post-Match Examination-At the conclusion of a match and before each contestant leaves the premises, he or she shall be given a post-match examination by a physician. The physician conducting the post-match physical examination shall submit to the Division representative the results of the post-match physical examination on a form provided by the Division. The physician shall certify his professional assessment as to the contestant's physical condition, whether or not a medical suspension is necessary, and whether additional medical treatment or assessments are necessary.

(1) Temperature;

(2) Pulse; sitting, standing and running;

(3) Lungs;

(4) Heart; and

(5) Blood pressure.

(d) At the time of the pre-match physical examination, the promoter shall furnish to the physician a provided pregnancy test for all female contestants. The results of the pregnancy test shall be reported on a form provided by the Division. If the promoter does not have the test kits on site, the Division representative shall provide test kits, the cost of which shall be paid by the promoter. A contestant who tests positive for pregnancy shall not be cleared or allowed to compete in any match.

(e) A contestant shall not engage in any match if any of the following conditions are found by the physician:

(1) Hernia, or bubonocele;

(2) Organic heart murmurs;

(3) Active pulmonary lesions;

(4) Abnormal temperature as determined by the physician;

(5) Systolic pressure over 150 and diastolic pressure over 90;

(6) Infectious skin lesions, such as boils or infected wounds;

(7) Open wounds;

(8) Hand injuries, and fractures less than 6 weeks old, if, in the physician's opinion, the injury would be detrimental to the contestant's health or ability to effectively compete or exhibit;

(9) An indication that the contestant is using or is under the influence of narcotics, drugs, stimulants, depressants, alcohol, local anesthetics or such a high level of analgesics as to render the contestant unable to recognize if he is seriously injured. If the physician finds any indication or evidence that the contestant is using, is under the influence, of unauthorized drugs or foreign substances such that the physician cannot make a definite determination and therefore allows the match to proceed, the physician shall immediately advise the Division representative who shall ensure that a urine sample is taken and processed in accordance with the rules in this Chapter;

(10) Retinopathy or detached retina; provided however, that at the request, of the applicant the Division shall review individual cases of repaired retinal damage for the purpose of permitting the individual to engage in a boxing match in North Carolina. In order for the Division to consider the request the individual must provide to the Division such medical information as the Division deems appropriate which must include a written statement by the doctor performing the retinal repair that the retina is completely healed; that in his opinion, within a reasonable medical certainty, no unusual or extraordinary risk to the individual is anticipated as a result of the repaired retina; and that he authorizes the individual to engage in the sport of boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts. In the event the physician who made the repair is unavailable, the individual must authorize the Division and the Division's physician total and unlimited access to all medical records pertaining to the damage, repair of the damage and any subsequent treatment regarding the eyes. The Division shall direct its physician to review all information and to examine the individual seeking licensure and report the results and recommendation to the Division for consideration by the Division. Any costs associated with the review and examination of records or the individual shall be borne by the individual seeking licensure;

(11) Dental abscess;

(12) Ophthalmological problem;

(13) History of epilepsy or seizures;

(14) Blindness;

(15) History of kidney problems;

(16) Change in gait or balance; or

(17) History of any change in a CAT scan, electroencephalogram (EEG), or electrocardiogram (EKG).

(f) If at any time, the Division representative determines that the match may be adverse to the health of a contestant or referee, the Division representative shall order the contestant or referee to be medically examined by a physician. The physician conducting the medical examination shall submit to the Division the results of the examination on a form provided by the Division. The physician shall certify his professional assessment as to: the contestant's or referee's physical conditions, whether or not a medical suspension is necessary and the recommended length of suspension commensurate with the specified injury; and whether additional medical treatment or assessments are necessary.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 1996;

Recodified from 18 NCAC 9 .0104(g)-(j) Eff. April 1, 1996;

Eff. April 1, 1996;

Transferred and recodified from 18 NCAC 09 Eff. November 8, 2002;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2004;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2008 (recodified from 14A NCAC 12 .0105);

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0301 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.